Which combination is considered empirical or systematic research?

The combination of gathering and organizing data, and testing hypotheses is considered empirical or systematic research because it follows a structured process that relies on observation and experimentation. Empirical research is grounded in the collection of measurable and observable data, which provides a basis for developing, testing, and confirming hypotheses.

In this context, gathering and organizing data refers to the systematic collection of information that can be quantified or qualitatively analyzed. This step ensures that the data is reliable and valid, which is essential for drawing meaningful conclusions. Following this, testing hypotheses involves making predictions based on the gathered data and employing scientific methods to examine their accuracy. This iterative process of data collection and hypothesis testing is a hallmark of empirical research, contributing to the development of knowledge based on evidence rather than speculation.

Other methods mentioned, such as participant observation and interviews, may focus more on qualitative insights rather than the empirical framework that relies on statistical analysis and objective testing of variables. While they are valuable research techniques, they do not emphasize the systematic gathering and testing of quantifiable data to the same extent.